When impetuous Helen Schlegel believes herself to be in love with Paul, the youngest of the Wilcox sons, she sparks off a connection between the two families that leads to collision. For while Helen's virtuous, cultivated sister Margaret marries the self-righteous Henry Wilcox, Helen stands in vigorous opposition to his ideals. Can Margaret, for ever in the middle of two conflicting worlds, become the force that brings them together?
Howards End expresses, perhaps more than any other of his novels, themes close to Forster's heart and has become more relevant than ever as a statement of humane, civilized values, while its subtle characterization and blend of irony, lyricism and humour make it one of the great English novels.